UCF CB Josh Robinson drafted 3rd round, No. 66 by Minnesota Vikings

Josh Robinson’s family, friends and church congregation burst into cheers when they found out the former UCF cornerback had been selected No. 66 overall by the Minnesota Vikings in the third round of the NFL Draft on Friday night.

Robinson (5-10, 199) declared for the draft after his junior season and was considered a mid-round pick early in the process, but he shot up the draft boards after posting a 4.33-second 40-yard dash in February’s NFL combine, the fastest time of any attendee.

Many mock drafts eventually pegged him as an early-to-middle second-round selection. Still unpicked when the third round began, Robinson — who was known for his poise at UCF — said he remained calm.

“I wasn’t really nervous,” said Robinson, who was the first player taken from a Florida college in this year's draft. It's the first NFL draft in which a UCF player was drafted before a player from any other state college. “I always knew God had a plan for me.”

The Plantation High product committed to UCF in 2008 — fittingly, at the Hallandale Beach Church of Christ — and picked the Knights over Michigan, USF and others. He immediately became a fixture in UCF’s secondary, recording 10 interceptions and 36 pass breakups in his three years as a starter. Robinson had six picks his freshman year and was named first team All-Conference USA as a sophomore and junior.

Although he lacks prototypical size, Robinson has received praise from draft experts for his quickness in zone coverage, instincts and overall fluidity. That combination could allow him to match up favorably against quicker slot receivers in the NFL as a nickel back.

“Man, I’m excited. Just the opportunity to go to the Vikings, it’s a blessing,” Robinson said. “The same thing I did at UCF, I’m going to do for the Vikings and that’s work hard. I’m trying to get a job, so I’m definitely going to go to work.”

He also has experience as a punt returner in college, but will be remembered at UCF for muffing a punt close to the end zone in the third quarter of the Knights’ 17-10 loss at FIU this past year. FIU recovered the ball at the 8-yard line and eventually scored a touchdown.

Perhaps the most memorable moment of Robinson’s UCF career was when he limited Georgia wide receiver and future NFL Prow Bowl selection A.J. Greento 77 receiving yards in the Knights’ 10-6 victory against the Bulldogs in the 2010 Liberty Bowl.

The third and final day of the NFL Draft begins at noon on Saturday. UCF seniors such as tight end Adam Nissley, defensive end Darius Nall, linebacker Josh Linam and receiverA.J. Guytonhave a chance to be drafted later in the day, but will likely be undrafted free agents.

This time, something strange and wonderful happened. The skies cleared, the rain stopped and the starving blind man gorged himself on a much-needed victory and finally regained his sight ¿ the vision of making the playoffs.